CVE-2021-45268 : Security Advisory and Response

A Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in Backdrop CMS 1.20 allows remote attackers to achieve Remote Code Execution (RCE) on the Hosting Webserver by uploading a malicious add-on with a crafted PHP file. The vendor disputes this due to the attack's prerequisites.

Understanding CVE-2021-45268

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in Backdrop CMS that could lead to severe consequences if exploited.

What is CVE-2021-45268?

The CVE-2021-45268 vulnerability is a CSRF issue in Backdrop CMS 1.20, enabling attackers to execute malicious actions on the Hosting Webserver using deceptive requests.

The Impact of CVE-2021-45268

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to achieve RCE on the webserver by uploading specially crafted PHP files, posing a severe security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-45268

Insight into the specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The CSRF vulnerability in Backdrop CMS 1.20 permits remote attackers to exploit the system by uploading malicious add-ons containing crafted PHP files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Backdrop CMS 1.20
Vendor: N/A
Version: N/A

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit the vulnerability, attackers need a high-privileged authenticated user's session cookie, enabling the installation of arbitrary add-ons.

Mitigation and Prevention

Best practices to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-45268.

Immediate Steps to Take

Regularly monitor and restrict high-privileged user sessions.
Implement secure coding practices to prevent CSRF attacks.
Monitor file uploads for suspicious content.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct security training for users on recognizing and reporting suspicious activities.
Implement multi-factor authentication for privileged accounts.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates from Backdrop CMS to address the CSRF vulnerability.